Union Larder En Route from Little Vine Team

Union Larder's future home. [Photo: Google Maps]

Jay Esopenko and Melissa Gugni built their upscale grocery, wine and sandwich shop Little Vine into a North Beach favorite, and now they've set their sights on Russian Hill with a larger outfit called Union Larder on its way. Fans of Little Vine take note: while Union Larder will be a full-service cheese, wine, and charcuterie bar, it will have a similar vibe as the tiny North Beach shop, with Bicycle Coffee, a highly curated wine selection and some of the same retail provisions on offer.

Tablehopper brings word that Esopenko and Gugni have taken over the 800-square-foot commercial space underneath the parking garage-turned-condo development on Hyde at Union Street. 8 Inc will be handling the design of the space, which will feature large windows and seat around 30 total at the bar and tables combined, with tall shelving units and rolling ladders adding to the ambiance.

The dynamic duo have enlisted the consulting expertise of John-Paul Henaff (of Ame, RN74 and Central Kitchen) to help develop the menu, which will feature dishes like raclette, fondue, and bratwurst as well as their European-style takes on sandwiches and salads. And good news for all you raw bar fans: Union Larder will be serving oysters all day, which will follow the opening hours of Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm, with Monday hours en route after things get going. Esopenko and Gugni are targeting a June opening for the new spot, so stay tuned for updates.

· Coming to Russian Hill: Union Larder [Tablehopper]
· Little Vine Specialty Foods Arrives in North Beach [~ ESF ~]